High heels have evolved over the centuries into a voluntary, much sought after option in footwear. It’s difficult to open a fashion magazine without seeing models strutting about in these creations, or to imagine Hollywood’s hottest female stars on the red carpet without their glamourous heels.

While most of us won’t reach great fame and fashion, many of us do appreciate the extra height and feminine appeal we get from wearing stilettos.

They create a lifted, toned appearance for the physique and can look great with many outfits. Heels even work for people who don’t often pay much attention to their footwear, as they can opt for low heels for special occasions.

The downside of wearing high heels of course is that they can wreak havoc on the body. And, while the detriments of wearing them are readily apparent (just ask anyone who has had to walk a distance in high, uncomfortable shoes), they reinforce the popular belief that beauty is pain and so many of us have been silently suffering for so long in the name of style.

Here are a few tips to wearing high heels comfortably

If wearing high heels is an essential part of your wardrobe, there are several considerations to keep in mind to minimize any pain and avoid injury.

1) Get high heels that fit

It may seem obvious that any pair of shoes that fits properly will be more comfortable, but this is especially true for high heels. The less movement, slippage and sliding your foot experiences, the better.

The arch of your foot should be supported no matter the angle it is placed at, your toes should stay in place and not slide forward, and there should be no gap behind your heel.

This may mean buying quality high heels from great designers, but the extra cost will be well worth it in the long run.

2) Add cushioned support

Shoe inserts can be your greatest ally for avoiding foot pain while wearing high heels. They add padding where you need it most, especially if you are planning to stand for long periods of time.

Add cushioning on the ball of your foot and on your heel, the thickest you can find. Shoe inserts are another item you’ll want to spend a bit more on when wearing high heels.

3) Wear a stable high heel

Instead of a stiletto, go for a chunkier heel to avoid any potential imbalance or even falling. You can also look for platform high heels, with either a full platform to support your entire foot, or a platform beneath the toe of the shoe to help level the angle of your foot.

Another tip is to look for open-toe high heels to remove the pressure on your toes.

4) Minimize Time

While you may not want to give up your fashionable high heels altogether, and you don’t need to, your feet can greatly benefit from spending minimal time in heels. Ways to do this include wearing high heels only when you know you’ll be sitting the majority of the time. Save your high heels for special occasions instead of wearing them every day.

The editorial team at Ladies Balance is made up of wellness warriors, yoga lovers, adventure seekers and wanderlusters. We are also go getter women juggling careers, relationships, life and everything else in between.

I’m definitely going to need to invest in some support! Heels absolutely kill me after 30 minutes! Finding heels that fit is the worst one, in my opinion, especially if you’re like me and have two slightly different sized feet! xoxo

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